'Pensive' (Western Lowland Gorilla) © Tracy Hall 20093.25" x 2.25" watercolour on rag board
This week I managed to finish this miniature of a western lowland gorilla, Effie, who we encountered in the summer at London Zoo. Painting her portrait was very enjoyable and also quite moving as they are of course critically endangered in the wild. Somehow her eyes spoke volumes. It was very interesting and heartening to learn about the conservation work the ZSL are doing in the field, especially at the Mikongo Conservation Centre in Gabon. A percentage from the sale of this painting will be donated to help support their work there.
Thanks to Mona for helping with a title suggestion :)
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20 comments:
Tracy, this is magnificent. I am so intrigued with the way you have a completely black background, and yet your lighting is so rich on this piece. Sam Dolman is a blogging friend of mine who also just posted a painting of a gorilla from the London zoo. I'll tell you the same thing I told him - You should enter the David Shepherd Wildlife contest in January. There have been several gorilla winners in past years, and yours is definitely a contender.
Wow!!!Fantastic!!!
Thank you Deb and Paola. I'm a bit annoyed that you are seeing a black background, Deb, as it is actually deep browns so my monitor still can't be calibrated right yet! Bother.
Thats very kind of you to mention the David Shepherd competition - it is one I have meant to enter in the past but never managed to get anything done in time. Who knows, maybe this year?!
This is stunning Tracy; and great detail.
For the record, I am seeing a warm, chocolate to dark brown background and some wonderful reddish tinge on the top of Ellie's head. So your scan is fine, it is just that Deb's monitor is probably calibrated a little differently.
Oh thank you Kim! I dont think I will ever completely understand how these things work!
Tracy this I love this! The expression on her face and her eyes makes you want to hug her. Really beautiful.
Tracy this gorgeous. Wow!!!
Also getting the subtle variations of browns.
Dare I ask the size of brush used for the fine white hairs?
Wow! "Pensive" gorilla! Verry nice!:)
Beautiful Tracy, you have really outdone yourself... again..! :-)
This is absolutely stunning, Tracy. I'm with your commenters above...you need to enter this guy in a competition. I don't think of gorillas as beautiful, but this painting is just that.
I'm so sorry to annoy! I see black, but it's beautiful!
Tracy, thanks so much for your visit and your very kind words over at my blog. Glad to know the title suggestion was helpful.
Your gorilla has all the essential ingredients of a 1st place wildlife miniature, so if it's just another award in spirit, I award it to your gorilla too!
Many thanks for your lovely comments, really appreciate it.
Deb - Im sorry, I was annoyed with myself and this monitor, not you! Its new and I haven't had enough time to set it up properly yet. So its very helpful to hear what others are seeing :)
Sheona, the brush for the finest hairs is a 10/0 kolinsky sable (series 33) from Rosemary & Co. They are my favourite brushes.
Wonderful, it's like a photo!!!!
Tracy- absolutely stunning. Title is perfect, and you got the emotional impact of these wonderful beings.
Carol
I am amazed to see your work. This is truly wonderful. His eyes are so expressive. Excellent!
Graphite Pencil Sketch: University of Pune
Wow, Tracy, I think it's all been said, so add me to the list! I see the reddish, rich browns on the background. I think the fine hairs and the ears give her such a delicate look. I love the many colors in her fur. Such a wonderful portrait and a perfect title!
Hi Tracy I only could repeat what others said. It is a wonderful gorilla portrait and I too see all the warms and glowing colours here. Not to mention that this is a miniature.
You definetly have found your special niche.
Tracy, he is simply magnificent! You never cease to utterly blow me away with your skill!
Thank you for all the positive comments, much appreciated and really pleased you all like Effie.
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